§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether British Forces attacking Iraqi targets, other than in self-defence, are operating under United States command; if so, whether the British Government have now accepted American policy towards Iraq which explicitly includes the toppling of the present Iraqi Government; and whether that is compatible with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations or with any Security Council Resolutions. [HL1442]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert)The Government's policy towards Iraq has been made clear many times. Iraq must comply with its obligations under all relevant UNSCRs. It is not part of164WA our policy to work for the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. Coalition patrols of the no-fly zones remain an essential humanitarian task in support of UN Security Council Resolution 688 as they prevent Saddam Hussein from using his air force against the Iraqi people in the north and south. UK forces assigned to this task are under the tactical control of the appropriate US commander on the ground. Military action by coalition aircraft in the no-fly zones over Iraq is only ever taken in self-defence in response to Iraqi attempts to shoot down or otherwise threaten our aircraft. Questions on US policy should be directed to the US administration.